Cook rebounds from early fumble in Rams win

St. Louis Rams Daryl Richardson is tackeled by Arizona Cardinals Rashad Johnson in the first quarter at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on September 8, 2013. St. Louis won the game 27-24. UPI/Bill Greenblatt By BILL GREENBLATT

ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 8: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams is introduced before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on September 8, 2013 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Thomas/Getty Images) By Michael Thomas

A St. Louis Rams cheerleader entertains during a two minute warning of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on September 8, 2013. UPI/Bill Greenblatt By BILL GREENBLATT

St. Louis Rams Jared Cook dives for the endzone and a touchdown in front of Arizona Cardinals Yeremiah Bell in the second quarter at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on September 8, 2013. UPI/Bill Greenblatt By BILL GREENBLATT

(FootballStL) -- Looking to make a big first impression on the St. Louis faithful, Jared Cook wanted a better start after his first quarter fumble near the end zone cost the Rams an early lead.

Sam Bradford locked up with his newest tight end on a cut across the middle for a 47-yard grab. As Cook was racing to the end zone, safety Tyrann Mathieu made a last second attempt to punch the ball out from his arm at the seven-yard line. Karlos Dansby recovered the loose ball in the end zone for a touchback. The would-be touchdown went for naught.

“That’s never something you want to happen,” Cook said. “I wish I had that one back. It’s just part of the game.”

The Cardinals scored on the next possession which spanned into the second quarter for a 7-0 lead.

But it was all Cook after that.

Cook capitalized with a touchdown leaping toward the pylon with 26 seconds remaining in the half. The play went under review, but was upheld after it was determined that Cook reached into the end zone for the score. The 13-yard touchdown was part of a 12-play, 80-yard drive to tie the game 10-10 at the half.

A play action fake on the one-yard line was successful as Cook was all alone in the back of the end zone for his second touchdown of the game, and the first multi-score game of his career, in the fourth quarter. The score was followed by a two-point conversion to trim the Cardinals lead to 24-21.

Two field goals from Greg Zuerlein capped the Rams fourth quarter comeback for a 27-24 season opener win in front of 55,279 fans. The first season opening win for the Rams since 2006.

Cook, who signed a 5-year, $35 million deal this offseason with St. Louis, finished the game with seven receptions for 141 yards.

When asked whether he wanted to come out to showcase his talents after being not utilized as much with the Tennessee Titans, Cook replied, “Most definitely, most definitely. Coach (Schottenheimer) did a heck of a job. There’s a lot of guys on this offense that contributed. It was awesome.”